This bill establishes a prohibition on the Iowa Department of Transportation and the state transportation commission from pursuing an interstate road designation for the segment of highway known as United States highway 65 and state highway 5, which runs between interstate 35 and interstate 80. This prohibition is contingent upon the U.S. government providing an exemption from federal regulations regarding vehicle weight and size for that segment. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow implements of husbandry to continue operating on this highway segment, provided they were authorized to do so before it becomes part of the interstate system, until an alternative route is developed.

The bill also mandates that the Department of Transportation collaborate with the Des Moines area metropolitan planning organization to conduct a study aimed at creating an accessible alternative highway route for implements of husbandry. This route would run alongside, but not directly on, the specified segment of highway. The provisions of the bill will apply to the designated highway segment from the effective date onward, regardless of any future changes to the highway's designation by state or federal authorities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 306A.2